and all his servants marched past him--all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. All his men marched past himThis phrase indicates the loyalty and dedication of David's followers. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "ʾanashim," which often denotes not just any group of men, but those who are valiant and capable. The act of marching past David signifies their readiness to follow him into any situation, reflecting the deep bond and trust between David and his men. Historically, this moment underscores the unity and strength of David's leadership, even in times of crisis. along with all the Cherethites and Pelethites
The Cherethites and Pelethites were elite groups of warriors who served as David's personal bodyguards. The origin of these groups is somewhat debated, but they are often thought to be of Philistine origin, possibly from Crete, as suggested by the name "Cherethites." Their inclusion in David's retinue highlights his ability to unify diverse groups under his leadership, a testament to his diplomatic and military prowess. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of God using unexpected people and means to fulfill His purposes. and all the six hundred Gittites
The Gittites were from Gath, a Philistine city, and their leader, Ittai, is mentioned later in the chapter. The number "six hundred" is significant, as it mirrors the number of men who initially joined David when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 23:13). This continuity suggests a divine providence in David's life, where God consistently provides him with loyal followers. The presence of these Gittites, foreigners who chose to follow David, speaks to his charismatic leadership and the magnetic nature of his God-given mission. who had followed him from Gath
This phrase emphasizes the commitment of the Gittites to David. The Hebrew root "halak," meaning "to walk" or "to follow," implies a continuous action, indicating that these men had been with David for some time, sharing in his trials and triumphs. Their journey from Gath to Jerusalem symbolizes a spiritual journey as well, from a place of paganism to the city of God, reflecting the transformative power of aligning with God's anointed. marching before the king
The act of marching before David, the king, is a powerful image of allegiance and honor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a procession would signify respect and readiness to defend the king at all costs. This phrase not only highlights the loyalty of David's followers but also foreshadows the eventual establishment of his kingdom, ordained by God. It serves as a reminder of the divine order and the importance of righteous leadership under God's guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. This verse highlights his leadership and the loyalty of his followers. 2. Kerethites and PelethitesThese were elite groups of warriors who served as David's personal bodyguards. Their presence signifies the loyalty and protection surrounding David. 3. GittitesSpecifically, the six hundred men from Gath who had followed David. Their loyalty is notable as they were originally Philistines, showing David's ability to inspire allegiance beyond ethnic boundaries. 4. GathA Philistine city, indicating that David had influence and followers even from among his former enemies. 5. Absalom's RebellionThe broader context of this passage is the rebellion led by David's son Absalom, which forced David to flee Jerusalem. Teaching Points Loyalty and LeadershipDavid's ability to inspire loyalty among diverse groups, including foreigners, highlights the importance of integrity and leadership in building trust and allegiance. God's Sovereignty in AdversityDespite the rebellion and chaos, God’s hand is evident in the protection and support David receives, reminding us of His sovereignty in our trials. Unity in DiversityThe inclusion of the Gittites, former enemies, in David's ranks illustrates the power of unity and reconciliation, transcending cultural and historical enmities. Faithfulness in ServiceThe Kerethites and Pelethites exemplify steadfastness and faithfulness in their service to David, encouraging us to be faithful in our commitments. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's leadership style, as seen in this passage, inspire loyalty among such a diverse group of followers? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in David's life during Absalom's rebellion, and how can this encourage us in our own times of trial? 3. What lessons can we learn from the inclusion of the Gittites about breaking down barriers and fostering unity in our communities? 4. How do the roles of the Kerethites and Pelethites challenge us to be faithful and steadfast in our own areas of service? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced loyalty or support from an unexpected source. How did this impact your faith and understanding of God's provision? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 27This chapter provides background on David's time in Gath, where he formed alliances and gained followers, including the Gittites. 2 Samuel 23Lists David's mighty men, including the Kerethites and Pelethites, emphasizing their role and loyalty throughout David's reign. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, reflecting his trust in God amidst betrayal and danger. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Accompanied, Along, Beside, Cherethite, Cherethites, Cher'ethites, Followed, Front, Gath, Gittites, Hundred, Ittai, Kerethites, Marched, Passed, Passing, Past, Pelethite, Pelethites, Pel'ethites, Servants, SixDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:18 5208 armies 2 Samuel 15:13-18 5087 David, reign of Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:18 NIV2 Samuel 15:18 NLT2 Samuel 15:18 ESV2 Samuel 15:18 NASB2 Samuel 15:18 KJV
2 Samuel 15:18 Commentaries
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